Self-Health Advocacy Is Your Right with Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Health

PodcastRegarding Me
Written By Luan Lawrenson-Woods

Introducing: Rebecca
White

Rebecca White, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health and Women, in conversation with Luan Lawrenson-Woods on women’s healthcare rights, informed consent and shared decision-making, second opinions, and practical ways to speak up with confidence.

Self-advocacy is encouraged but rarely explained or made explicit. And many women still don’t know they have the right to ask questions, get a second opinion, and offer feedback when it comes to their healthcare.

You don’t need permission to advocate for healthcare that meets your needs. But if you wanted a reminder, this is it.

In this timely episode of Regarding Me, I’m joined by Rebecca White, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health, and Women, to talk about self-health advocacy, not as a ‘bonus’ or nice-to-have, but as a right.

We unpack the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, the importance of informed consent and shared decision-making, and what it takes to shift a healthcare system where women, especially younger women, are still dismissed or not taken seriously.

Whether you’re in Australia or elsewhere, this conversation will help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to confidently speak up for the care that fits your life.

“We are the only people we can depend on to be our own advocates when it comes to our healthcare.” — Rebecca White

In this episode:

  • What your healthcare rights really mean and why they matter

  • What the Australian Government is doing to support women's self-health advocacy

  • How to use the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights as a tool

  • What informed consent is – across all healthcare interactions

  • Why second opinions are a right

  • What to say when you feel dismissed or unsure what to ask

  • The support services available to women from diverse communities

  • How we can shift systems and support each other to speak up

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Disclaimer

Luan Lawrenson-Woods
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